Snow blankets Carson as cold front comes in

Carson City’s first snow of the season dumped 3-4 inches beginning mid-morning Tuesday, causing several traffic accidents and forcing the closure of Roop Street and Interstate 580 through Washoe Valley late in the afternoon.

But that didn’t dampen the spirits of Cody Ciminski, 5, as he slid down the sidewalk with his mother, Amanda, and brothers Noah, 7, and Brandon, 10.

“It’s snowing!” he exclaimed. “I love the snow.”

Noah was just as excited.

“We have fun in it,” he said. “Like throwing snowballs.”

Their mother explained their enthusiasm.

“We love it,” she said. “We’re originally from California. We never saw snow, so this is really nice.”

A winter storm warning remained in effect for the region through 4 p.m. Tuesday, and cold weather was expected to continue through the week with lows dropping to single digits — including a low of 5 overnight.

Western Nevada College Carson City and Douglas campuses closed at 4 p.m. due to icy road conditions. Truckee Meadows Community College suspended classes and Washoe County school students were sent home early. Gov. Brian Sandoval also called a snow day, sending home all non-essential state workers in Reno and Carson City, giving them the afternoon off.

Carson City School District remained on its regular schedule.

Superintendent Richard Stokes said children were kept inside during the snowfall and chains were installed on all school bus tires for the commute home.

“They’re safe,” he said. “To change any plans now would cause hardships for parents and after-school care.”

He said officials would re-evaluate conditions overnight. Information about school closures or delays will be posted at carsoncityschools.com.

Chains or snow tires were required on I-80 from the Nevada-California line to Truckee, Calif., as well as at the south end of Lake Tahoe on U.S. 50 from South Lake Tahoe to Twin Bridges and on California 89 from Bliss State Park to Monitor Pass. California 89 was closed from Monitor Pass to the junction of U.S. 395.

Despite traffic snarls, Troy Wadsworth of Carson City was happy for the storm.

“I love it,” he said. “I’m a big snowbird, and I know we need the moisture. I’m excited to actually see it snowing.”

There is a chance for more snow Friday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.